Päivi Hietanen becomes Finland’s first female archiater

Päivi Hietanen, a 72-year-old oncologist and psychotherapist, has been named Finland’s 13th archiater—the senior representative of the country’s medical profession—making her the first woman to hold the role, Yle reports.

Hietanen, known for pioneering psychological support for cancer patients, co-founded Finland’s first psychosocial support unit at Helsinki University Hospital’s cancer clinic in the 1990s. She has also spent decades training doctors in communication skills.

President Sauli Niinistö appointed her from a field of nearly 200 candidates. Hietanen described her initial reaction as a mix of fear and joy, acknowledging the trust her colleagues placed in her while emphasizing her intent to approach the role in her own way.

As archiater, she aims to advocate for vulnerable groups, citing concerns over neglect in elderly care and growing inequality among children. She also wants to promote values such as justice, equality, and human dignity within healthcare, stressing that principles must translate into action.

Hietanen reflected on how her mother’s difficult childhood—orphaned at six after her own mother died of tuberculosis—may have unconsciously influenced her decision to study medicine. The profession also offered financial security at a time when Finland’s social safety nets were weaker.

She expressed pride in being the first woman in the role, noting that 60% of Finland’s doctors are now female. Unlike her predecessor, who served until his death, Hietanen believes an archiater should be able to step down if their strength wanes.

Her career has focused on breast cancer treatment, with a long-standing emphasis on the psychological impact of illness. In the 1980s and 90s, she sought training in psycho-oncology abroad, where mental health support was already integrated into cancer care—a practice she later brought to Finland.